Scottish seabird hunt cancelled for first time in 400 years
Summary
For the first time in 400 years, the traditional Scottish seabird hunt called the guga hunt has been cancelled. NatureScot, the licensing authority, refused to allow this year’s hunt due to concerns that killing gannet chicks could harm bird populations.Key Facts
- The guga hunt targets up to 2,000 gannet chicks over 10 days on Sula Sgeir island near Lewis and Harris.
- This hunt is a historic tradition, believed to date back to Viking times, where hunters called the Men of Ness collect the chicks.
- NatureScot refused the hunting licence this year due to new scientific models showing possible harm to gannet populations.
- The gannet chicks are killed, then salted and eaten as a local delicacy, though many find the taste unpleasant.
- Wildlife groups have protested the hunt for years, with petitions gathering over 350,000 combined signatures.
- Some protests have led to clashes with authorities, including arrests and damage at NatureScot’s offices.
- The decision only affects this year; future hunts could still be licensed under current Scottish law.
- NatureScot highlighted the personal costs to their staff caused by aggressive protesting.
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